STATE OF GUJARAT Vs. PATEL SHANKARBHAI PARSOTTAMDAS

JUDGEMENT

(1.) ADMIT . Mr. Jayesh M. Patel, learned advocate, waives service of admission on behalf of the respondents. At the request of the learned advocates for the parties, the matters are taken up for final hearing. Record and proceedings of the case are available.

(2.) THESE appeals arise from common judgment and award dated 30.7.2005 made by the Presiding Officer, 6th Fast Track Court, Mehsana in Land Acquisition Reference Nos. 424 of 2004 to 438 of 2004. Hence, these appeals are heard together and, now, they are being disposed of by this common judgment.

(3.) THE lands, being agricultural lands, situated at village Daran, Taluka Kadi, District Mehsana were required for construction of the Narmada Canal. Hence, notification under Section 4(1) of the Land Acquisition Act, 1894 (for short 'the Act') was published on 21.8.1998. It was followed by declaration under Section 6 of the Act, which was published on 9.7.1999. After complying with all the requirements, the Special Land Acquistion Officer made the award on 6.7.2001. By the said award, he granted compensation at the rate of Rs.6/ - per Sq. Mtr. However, since the claimants were dissatisfied with the quantum of compensation awarded by the Land Acquisition Officer, they sought references under Section 18 of the Act, which, ultimately, culminated into the aforesaid reference cases.